Author: Jane Clarke

Bladder problems – the term evokes so many emotions, from fear, embarrassment, shame, anxiety, and isolation. This stigma can come from societal views, that this is a private issue that should not be discussed. While the emotional weight causes us to avoid things that should bring us joy – social gatherings, travel, exercise, and sexual…

What is a Bladder Diary?  If you self-catheterise, you may be asked to keep a bladder diary. This is a simple tool used to track your fluid intake, the amount and timing of urine output, and any bladder accidents. In some cases, additional details may be required, such as the types of fluids consumed, the…

Work enables us to contribute to society and support ourselves and our families. It is not a place where we need to be preoccupied with bladder worries. Follow these tips to help you concentrate on your job and worry less about your bladder; Stick to a schedule, try and have regulated catheter breaks throughout the…

Travelling can be both exciting and unnerving, especially if you catheterise! Reduce the stress of bladder management by being well-prepared. The following are some helpful tips to help ensure you feel confident and prepared for your adventures:  Pack smart– Ensure you have extra catheters in your hand luggage in case of delayed departures or misplaced…

Intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) is considered the preferred way to empty the bladder when it cannot empty fully on its own, as it carries fewer long-term risks than an indwelling catheter.1 Whether you need ISC for a few weeks or for many years, most people find that catheterising soon becomes part of their normal routine. While complications…

Whether you are catheterising all the time or just some of the time, it is important that you follow medical advice regarding your catheterisation schedule to ensure you are not retaining excessive amounts of urine in your bladder. Below are some reasons why you should maintain scheduled catheterisations: Infection – bacteria can multiply in stagnant…

An indwelling urinary catheter is a soft, flexible tube that is placed into your bladder to allow continuous bladder drainage. There are two main types of indwelling catheters; a urethral catheter which goes in through the natural opening where urine normally leaves your body, and a suprapubic catheter which goes through a small opening in…

Intermittent self-catheterisation, or ISC, is a simple and safe way of emptying your bladder. The length of time you will need to practice ISC very much depends on the reasons why you are performing ISC. For example, people who rely on ISC as a means to empty their bladder in the long-term would include those…

Sexuality and intimacy are intricately connected to our sense of self and how we connect with others. Having bladder issues can affect our self-image and evoke anxiety around leakage, odour, and discomfort during intimacy. Below are some helpful tips on how you can approach intimacy in a way that works for you.  Talk to your…